Real World Adobe Illustrator CS5 Paperback – July 21, 2010

The Ugly: I purchased this book some time ago, but just had an urgent need for it today. I took my Kindle to work so I could reference it to figure out how to use a long-used feature that had been changed in this version. It was a disaster. I was ready to write a review telling anyone who wanted to buy this book to avoid the Kindle version. I love my Kindle. It's very good for linear reading, the typical book, but for a software manual, it sucks. Trying to find things, jumping around like you would in any reference manual just doesn't work.The Bad: Well, not really bad. When I got home, I downloaded the Kindle reader for my Mac laptop. I LOVE IT. It gives me easy and instant access to everything in the book. Works like a champ. If you want to buy a manual for your Kindle, you can have a great experience with the reader for your computer. After all, that's where you're going to want to use it anyway.The Good: The Real World Illustrator reference manual has been a primo book for many years. I'm a 25-year Illustrator graphics professional, and I've been relying on this series for years. This is the best one out there.Summary: Buy it for Kindle, download the Kindle reader for your computer, and use the fine browser interface to access everything this book has to offer. (I use a Mac. I can't speak for the PC version.)

This book has been very helpful in learning the many important features of CS5. It doesn't seem to be a tutorial for beginners... but at times it covers very basic stuff like a tutorial would... so it seems like the author didn't really pin point his audience... He is aiming for all users of Illustrator, beginners or experienced users. If you are new to illustrator, perhaps a book more aimed at beginners will be better. If you are looking to enhance your skills in Illustrator, this book should help.I like it, its worth buying.

In my opinion this is an intermediate to expert level book and is just as well written as its predecessor - Real world illustrator CS4, but unlike the CS4 version, suffers from one major shortcoming, and that is its lack of anything on 3D Live Effects. Instead it redirects you to a web page where you can read the missing chapter. As I am seeing the popularity of 3D grow, I find myself wanting to use 3D Live Effects on the increase. But, I have to use my laptop to find the relevant chapter....I bought a physical paper version of this book because I like reading books and like keeping them for reference, and also like their portability...if I wanted a digital version of this book I would have not bought a physical paper version, would I !?In my opinion, this is an incomplete book, thus, it only gets a rating of 2 stars form me.

This book is clear, concise and factual update to the popular CS series. Adobe has done a wonderful job of unifying the interface of all their products and now it is very easy to jump from one to another without the need to shift gears mentally. Likewise this book is straightforward in its presentation of CS5. I was able to rapidly understand the changes and put them to use right away. also this book was a valuable aide in teaching a fellow student how to use illustrator for her project and she was able to complete a surprisingly nice piece from her efforts. A Great Book that should be on every designers bookshelf as part of their corporate library.

If you are trying to learn the fundamental principals of Illustrator CS5 then this is the book for you. Mordy is an Illustrator guru and writes in a way that is informative, thorough and easy to understand. His techniques are great and have improved my Illustrator skills. This is the best How-to software book I have read yet. Even for those that know Illustrator well this book can be a great reference. I keep it right next to my computer at all times and use it for inspiration as well. Highly recommend.

This is an excellent book for a new or returning Illustrator. After being out of the loop for a long time - I wasn't sure I needed a book on a program I thought I knew pretty well. I am so glad I spent the money on an actual book instead of trying to find the information I needed online for free. It has saved me a lot of time and frustration. Mordy Golding is an awesome teacher and very easy to follow a long with. Thank YOU Mordy Golding!

Many good tips and techniques. would love to have a CD with video "how to's for the novices. Answers many questions about how things work inside illustrator, many of which that are not obvious to the user.

It is okay. Nothing wrong with it. Thanks